Galapagos Hawk

Buteo galapagoensis (Gould, 1837)

Galapagos Hawk Buteo galapagoensis is a bird of prey that breeds in the Galápagos, where it is found on most of the islands. It is a large hawk with broad wings and a broad tail, and its size varies from island to island. Adults are mainly sooty brown-black, with a silvery grey tail marked by narrow dark bars, yellow legs and feet, and brown eyes. Young birds look quite different, with a browner, more camouflaged plumage. The species is an apex predator with excellent vision, and it nests in trees, on lava ledges, or on the ground.

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Breeding range

South America: Galápagos